PETALING JAYA: After Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had an audience with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday, he may announce his cabinet line-up earliest tomorrow, with the newly appointed cabinet members sworn in next Monday.

A source told Sin Chew Daily the number of appointees for each party is based on the parliamentary seats won by individual parties.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat is expected to have 1+4, namely a prime minister and four ministers, DAP 5, Parti Amanah Negara 2, UPKO 1, Barisan Nasional 1+4 (a deputy PM and four ministers), Gabungam Parti Sarawak (GPS) 1+3 (a DPM and three ministers).

The five DAP ministerial candidates are expected to be Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Lim Guan Eng, Gobind Singh Deo, David Nga Kor Ming and Chong Chieng Jen.

The source said the remaining positions could be reserved for Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), Parti Warisan and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

From what is understood, His Majesty has hoped to have the cabinet members sworn in this Friday, but Anwar has asked to be given more time as the unity government involves many different parties and he needs time to negotiate with the leaders of individual parties.

Anwar is expected to announce his cabinet line-up this Saturday or a day before swearing in on Sunday.

According to the source, the two deputy prime ministers will likely be BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and senior minister from GPS Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

“Ahmad Zahid stands a very good chance of being appointed DPM. If BN has nominated him, it will be very difficult for Anwar not to appoint him. A major consideration is to form a stable government!”

The source said the new cabinet is expected to comprise only 25 ministers and 25 deputy ministers, down from 31 ministers and 38 deputy ministers in Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration.